Local Residents Targeted: MCSO Issues Warning on Persistent Tech Support Scams
The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office issued a public warning on January 26, 2024, alerting residents to a continued surge in tech support scams actively targeting individuals throughout Montgomery County. These pervasive schemes aim to defraud victims by falsely claiming issues with their computers or devices.
These sophisticated scams often begin with an alarming pop-up message appearing on a computer screen, falsely claiming the device is infected with a virus or malware. Alternatively, residents may receive unexpected phone calls from individuals impersonating representatives from well-known technology companies such as Microsoft, Apple, or Norton. Scammers typically assert that they have detected a significant problem with the victim's device.
The primary objective of these fraudsters is to gain remote access to a victim's computer or to trick them into paying for unnecessary "repairs" or "services." Payments are frequently demanded through untraceable methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. In some instances, scammers employ a tactic where they claim to have accidentally overpaid the victim and then instruct them to refund the "excess" amount, effectively stealing their money.
To protect against these fraudulent activities, the MCSO strongly advises Montgomery County residents to exercise extreme caution. First and foremost, never trust unsolicited pop-up messages or phone calls claiming computer issues. The Sheriff's Office emphasizes that any unprompted contact regarding a device problem is almost certainly a scam. Residents should never grant remote access to their devices or divulge personal information or passwords to unknown callers or pop-up prompts.
Furthermore, the MCSO warns against sending any money to these scammers, regardless of their promises or threats. If there is genuine concern about a device's security or performance, the most reliable course of action is to independently locate the official customer service number for the relevant company (e.g., Microsoft, Apple, Norton) and contact them directly. Never rely on phone numbers provided in suspicious pop-ups or by unsolicited callers.
The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office urges anyone who has been targeted by these tech support scams, or knows someone who has, to report the incident. Reports can be filed with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at IC3.gov. Reporting these incidents is crucial for law enforcement to track and disrupt ongoing criminal activities.
